Studies In Proverbs Lesson 2 2/6/2011 pm Studies In Proverbs Lesson 2 The Way Of A Fool Micky Galloway

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” Proverbs 12:15 A. “The way of” denotes one’s pattern of life, the course of action he takes, etc. B. “The way of” is used to refer to different persons, or different kinds of life. (1) Proverbs 13:15, “...but the way of transgressors is hard.” (2) Proverbs 1:19, “so are the ways of everyone that is greedy...” (3) Proverbs 4:14, “Enter not into the path of the wicked, and go not in the way of evil men.” (4) Proverbs 8:20, “I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment.” (5) Isaiah 26:7, “the way of the just is uprightness...”

“The way of a fool” is that of a person who: Places his trust in himself. Proverbs 12:15; cf. 28:26 1. He acts like a “know it all,” Proverbs 18:13; he answers “a matter before he hears it.” 2. He is like a child who despises his father’s instruction. Proverbs 15:5 Instead of trusting in himself, he ought to trust in God. Proverbs 3:5-6

“The way of a fool” is that of a person who: Despises wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:7 1. He has “no delight in understanding...,” Proverbs 18:2 2. He will “despise the wisdom” of the words of the wise. Proverbs 23:9; cf. 1 Kings 12:6-15 3. His attitude is the very opposite of that of Cornelius. Acts 10:29-33 4. His attitude is the opposite of that of the penitent jailor. Acts 16:29-30

“The way of a fool” is that of a person who: Feeds on foolishness. Proverbs 15:14 1. The heart of him that has understanding seeks knowledge …” Proverbs 15:14 2. “… But the mouth of fools feedeth on foolishness.” Proverbs 15:14

“The way of a fool” is that of a person who: Does not exercise self control. Proverbs 12:16 1. His “wrath is presently known” (Known at once,” NKJV) 2. At the least provocation he becomes offended; his pride is easily hurt. Proverbs 13:10. He stirs up strife. Proverbs 15:18 3. It is safer to meet a “bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in his folly.” Proverbs 17:12 4. His “wrath” is heavy. Proverbs 27:3 5. In contrast, God wants a person to be “slow to anger,” and to rule “his spirit.” Proverbs 16:32; Proverbs 29:11; cf. Ephesians 4:26; James 1:20

“The way of a fool” is that of a person who: Does not exercise tongue control. Prov. 29:11 1. He hides hatred with lying lips, and slanders. Proverbs 10:18 2. He is known for a “multitude of words..” Proverbs 10:19 3. His mouth pours “out foolishness.” Proverbs 15:2 4. His “lips enter into contention, and his mouth calleth for strokes,” and his “mouth is his destruction.” Proverbs 18:6-7

“The way of a fool” is that of a person who: One who is a meddler in other people’s business. Proverbs 20:3 1. “He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one who takes a dog by the ears.” Proverbs 26:17

“The way of a fool” is that of a person who: One who is a spendthrift. 1. “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” Proverbs 21:20

“The way of a fool” is that of a person who: One who is a menace to society. 1. He is a pain to his parents who bore him. Proverbs 17:21, 25 2. He hinders the understanding of others. Proverbs 17:7-8 3. His speech is slanderous. Proverbs 10:18 4. He stirs up dissension. Proverbs 20:3

How to treat a fool… Do not dignify a fool by giving him undue honor. 1. “As snow in summer and rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.” Prov. 26:1 2. “Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.” Prov. 26:4-5

How to treat a fool… Do not knowingly hire a fool. 1. “He that sendeth a message by the hand of a fool cutteth off the feet, and drinketh damage.” Proverbs 26:6 Do not address another through a fool.

How to treat a fool… Do not knowingly marry a fool! 1. “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” Proverbs 13:20

How to treat a fool… Share with him the word of God! Mark 16:15 1. So that he may come to believe in God. Romans 10:17; Psalms 14:1; cf. Romans 1:18ff 2. So that he may come to know the word of God. Ephesians 3:3-4 3. But if he steadfastly refuses to hear what God says in His word, then take His word to someone else. Matthew 7:6

Conclusion: We must not allow what has been said to cause us to conclude that a “fool “ cannot be reached. “Forsake foolishness and life, and go in the way of understanding” Proverbs 9:6 (NKJV) The way to become “wise” is to hear and to heed the word of God! Matthew 7:24-27